Table of Contents
1. Surfing
If your summer adventures are taking you to the beach, especially one with impressive waves, you should truly give surfing a try. To do it, you need only a board and a little bravery. You will paddle offshore a little bit so that you can catch those rolling waves. When you see a wave that looks fun, you will want to stand up on the board and attempt to ride the wave’s face back toward the shore.
The sport of surfing isn’t one that you can just jump into, though. It may take time and a little practice to be able to get up on the board and balance well enough to glide to the coastline. However, it is doable and has been done since the Native Americans were looking for a way to have a great time.
2. Floating
There are many ways for you to get enjoyment from floating. Anymore, you can float on a raft, a water mat, an inflatable lounger, and much more. The possibilities are as endless as the bodies of water that you may choose to float on.
Some people enjoy floating on waves, though it can be tricky since you will likely drift away from where you want to be. The best options are to float in a calm river or on a lake where you can anchor yourself to the riverbanks, a dock, or a boat. Depending on the type of float you use, you may also be able to use it as a swim or dive platform. It simply depends on what you want to do, or if you prefer to relax the day away in utmost comfort on your lounger.
3. Hydrofoil
Hydrofoil was originally used on boats to give them more speed. The foils lift the watercraft out of the water, lessening resistance and allowing them to gain higher speeds.
Today, hydrofoil can be used on not only boats but boards. The boards will have a fin under them that lifts them enabling you to feel as though you are flying rather than riding the water surface. Some of these boards may also have a motor on them to give you more lift and more speed. Others rely on the existing waves or water current to give you the boost that you may have been searching for.
4. Kitesurfing
For the ultimate thrill-seeker, you can enjoy kitesurfing or kiteboarding. In essence, you will attach yourself to a kite, stand up on your board, and enjoy the power of the wind pulling you through the water. With kitesurfing, you can gain impressive speed, and some people may even jump so the wind can lift them out of the water a little.
If this sounds like fun for you, you will need a large kite, flying lines, a control bar and harness setup, and a twin-tip or wakeboard style board. Kites will generally be inflatable or foil. They are available in a variety of sizes. The harness will wrap around your waist, your legs, and your hips to help you hold on while the wind takes you away from the shore.
5. Kneeboarding
Kneeboarding is a great way for kids and adults to enjoy being towed by a boat on the water. To do it, you will start out laying on the board, holding the tow rope and kneeboard straps. As the boat begins to move, you will want to adjust so your shins are flat on the board. Tighten the strap over your knees to help you stay on the board. It can be a little difficult to master because you have to tighten the knee strap while holding the tow rope and keeping your balance.
Once in position, your weight should stay toward the back of the board. Once you have mastered the skill of getting on the board, you can work up to jumping waves, doing 360s, and even flipping in the air. The variety and versatility ensure big fun for both smaller kids and grownups, though for kids you should go slower.
6. Yachting
We all know that yachts are luxury boats that can be taken out into the water for days at a time. They are typically owned by those with a lot of cash. However, there are a variety of yacht styles available that make it possible for a variety of people to have their very own yacht. These varieties will also help you decide what to do with it.
Not all yachts are huge. A yacht can be a sailboat that is small and has a cabin that is just large enough to spend the night in. It can also be motorized so that you can get where you want to go quickly. In either case, if you haven’t spent a night or three on the water being rocked to sleep by the waves, you need to give it a try!
7. Paddleboarding
Traditional paddleboarding is done with a board, either solid or inflatable, that you can lay down on and then use your arms to propel you through the water. From there, you also can get onto your knees and use actual paddles to get you moving.
It can be a lot of fun to do, however, the best part is the workout that you will get while doing it. Since you have to keep your balance, paddle, etc., you will gain a full-body workout that is unmatchable in the gym. You can also go paddle boarding anywhere that there is water, though beaches and waves may prove to be a larger challenge.
8. SUP
Once you have mastered paddle boarding, you may want to get into doing it while standing up. This is where a SUP comes in. The Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) allows you to stand up on the board and paddle from this position. It will provide you with a bird’s eye view, so to speak, of the water below your board and give you an even better workout.
One of the main things people love about the SUP is that they can see various fish, manatees, etc., in the water beneath them. This does depend on the water’s clarity where you are, but it can be interesting. There are even some people who use the SUP to go fishing because they feel more of a connection to the water and the fish biting the end of their line.
9. Bodyboarding
Similar to surfing, you will need a board and some fantastic waves to enjoy bodyboarding to the fullest. It is, for some, easier to master than surfing, even though the boards are smaller than those you will use to surf. Your goal is to have at least the upper to the middle part of your body on the board. This is easy enough considering you will use your arms and legs to paddle out into the water.
When you are ready to catch a wave, you spin toward the shore and it will lift you, pushing you along. However, you do not have to just ride it in if you don’t want to. Once you learn to control your board, you can turn it to go parallel with the shore, riding the wave more completely as it continues toward the beach.
10. Kayaking
Kayaks are small boats that are powered by oars and the rider. It is a low-impact workout that is great for anyone. The boats are approximately ten feet in size. The overall size may be larger if you choose one that can carry you and a friend. You may choose an inflatable kayak or a solid one.
The kayak is ideal for calm waters and exploring the nature around them, at least for beginners. As your skill levels increase, you can’t tackle beach waves and more questionable river areas, if you choose to. Some people are brave enough to kayak in rapids, but this is not something we advise unless you are a true adrenaline junkie and know your stuff.
11. Wakeboarding
When wakeboarding, your feet are strapped to a board and while you hold a tow rope, you are pulled along behind a boat. At first, you may simply get pulled along, but as you figure out how to control the board, you can take part in all the thrills. If the boat you are behind creates good waves, you can use it to your advantage by leaning your body toward them. As you cross waves, you can jump them, flip over them, and more.
In the event you do not have a boat for someone to drive while towing you along, you can often find wake parks where they have a wave pool, and built-in cabling to give you the same amount of enjoyment. It is also a good place to learn since it is a safe, controlled environment. You may also have coaches there that can help you perfect your skills.
12. Tubing (Towable)
We have all heard about, and perhaps tried, tubing down a lazy river. It is perhaps one of the most calming things we can do on a hot summer’s day at the river. You can do that if you want, but many people are now enjoying the extreme sport of tubing while being pulled behind a boat on a lake or a large river.
Though the action and the thrills are different from lazy rivered or boat-powered tubing, both can be a lot of fun. The thrill of being towed behind a boat does give you the ability to go faster, and perhaps catch a few wake waves. The type of tube you have under you may also dictate the type of thrills that you can have. You may use inner tubes or doughnuts, or inflatables that have a center section.
13. Scuba Diving
Swimming takes on a whole new appeal when you add a scuba diving tank. With it, you can go deep into the water to swim like a fish, viewing plant life and exploring all that there is to see beneath the water’s surface. In fact, with the right scuba diving gear, you can venture into the deep waters of the ocean and view coral reefs.
In most cases, you will need to be trained to go scuba diving. There are things to know to do it safely. This can make it a little pricy to just dive into. Some people will spend roughly $300 to get certified and then you have to purchase your gear, which will also come with a hefty price tag.
14. Snorkeling
If you want to avoid the cost of scuba diving, but still get an underwater view, you can opt to go snorkeling. This is something that can be fun for the entire family. You do not need lessons or experience to start. You simply have to know how to swim and have access to an area that may offer you a good view of what lives under the surface of the water.
Typically, people will use fins for their feet to help them move easier in the water. They will wear a snorkeling mask that will give them the ability to breathe underwater as long as they stay near the surface.
15. Windsurfing
Similar to kitesurfing, you will harness the power of the wind when you go windsurfing. However, rather than have a kite, you will have a large sale that is attached to your board. The sail will have a handrail that you hold onto, and you lean to control which direction you go in, with the wind powering your adventure.
The greatest thing about windsurfing is that it can be done on any body of water. Lessons may be available and recommended if you are completely new to the sport, mostly because you will need to figure out how to control the sail, balance, and avoid personal injuries. It is also recommended that you be in relatively good shape physically and a solid swimmer.
16. Jet Skiing
Jet skis are the motorcycle of the water. They are small, personal watercrafts that are powered by a motor, though there is usually room for two riders to sit on the same seat. You steer using a handlebar, which also holds the throttle so that you can control your speed.
You must be old enough to drive a car before you can drive a jet ski. However, kids can ride along with you once you are confident you can control the jet ski. In some areas, a license may be required, so if this is something you want to experience, we recommend that you check with your local agencies to find out what is required, and always wear safety vests.
17. Sailing
Sailboats come in a variety of sizes. They may have a motor to give you power when the winds are calm, but most are designed to run off the wind’s power using a large sail. It may not be the most “thrilling” adventure on our list, but in general, there could still be a lot of fun to have. Depending on the size of your boat, you may also be able to share your adventures with friends.
If you do not have a boat that can sail, no problem. Some areas offer sailing experiences for a price. It will also enable you to learn how to effectively control a sailboat if you get one in the future. Some people love it so much that they spend their lives simply sailing from one area to another.
18. Parasailing
Parasailing is a whole new spin on sailing. It combines both the power of wind and boat. To enjoy this adventure, you will be tethered to a boat that is pulling you, while you are attached to a sort of parachute and there is a harness that you sit in to keep you secured to the sail.
The parasail will lift you so that you soar over the water. The sail holds you up, the boat provides the power. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy getting the view of a lifetime. Keep in mind when planning a parasailing adventure that weight and age restrictions may apply. It is also advisable that you have a professional take you out to ensure you and those who fly with you are doing it safely.
19. Boating
If you have never been on a boat, the summer ahead is going to be a great time to get onboard. There is just something awesome about being in a boat that is gliding over the water, jumping waves, and more. You can do this activity in any relatively deep body of water, but it depends on the boat.
There are a variety of boat styles to go adventuring in. Some we have already talked about, like the sailboat, but you can also choose pontoon boats or airboats. Pontoons and airboats are nice because they can often get into areas that normal-sized boats cannot go.
20. Canyoning
Not all summer activities must be centered around the water. Canyoning is one example of the fun that can be had if you don’t want the water to be all that you experience. To go canyoning, you will visit an area that typically has a great view. Generally, it requires a canyon.
From the top of the canyon, you will do what it takes to reach the bottom. This may include climbing down, abseiling, sliding, jumping, and other things. In short, you will need to be able to perfect several outdoor skills before you attempt to do it. The result, though, is that you will get to see areas that most people will never have the pleasure of visiting.
Live Your Best Adventures!
At this website, we want to make sure that everyone has a good time. We hope that we have provided you with a lot of fun ways to add joy to your summer this year, and in the years ahead.
